The United States appears to be asking very little of the Japanese; all we want is balanced trade. The Japanese appear to be asking very little of the Americans--merely the continuation of the good relations that went on for the past 45 years. With their vision of Japanese perfection and duplicity, the Americans are asking that Japan cut its own financial throat. The Japanese, with their vision of endless American wealth, are asking for the right to pillage the American economy. Each is speaking to the other with a sensibility born of reality. The Americans cannot understand Japanese insecurity. The Japanese cannot understand American anger. The psyche of each has been created by the geography of their national existence. Therefore, in addition to the impersonal forces dividing the two countries, a vast psychological gulf yawns.
PHOTOS (COLOR): Above When in doubt, punt. Right President Bush's recent CEO-laden trip to Japan was marred by accusations of photo-opting. the specter of his companions outrageous salary packages, and a particularly nasty breach of dinner-table etiquette. What began as a political mission ended up as yet another in a long series of misfires.
